UnHip LA

 

 

The coolest coffee house in Pasadena, far far off-the-beaten path from Old Town, has got to be the Zephyr.  On East Colorado Boulevard, which has its own little, quiet scene, the Zephyr is in an original 1908 Craftsman bungalow.  You can wander around the house and sit in its various rooms; the front covered porch and the garden patio are great too.  The tall shrubs and general leafiness around this place make it feel secluded, intimate, and special.  I’d suggest it for a first date in which you want to have a good conversation or just generally a cool place to hangout for those who like their coffeehouses quiet and unpretentious.  When I was there it was pretty chill, almost spa-like in its serenity, great for writers (no Wi-fi though).  The Zephyr serves crepes and omelettes ($4.50 - $6.50), sandwiches and salads ($4 - $7.50), vanilla ice cream, pastries, and snacks.

I seriously love this place!

Zephyr
Coffee House and Art Gallery
2419 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, California 91107
626-793-7330
www.zephyrcoffeeandart.com

Hours:
M-Th 7:30am-10pm
Fri 7:30am-11pm
Sat 8am-11pm
Sun closed

Check out their Website photo gallery for a tour of the bungalow.

Here are some recent finds, all in the $6 - $15 range, and all with great atmosphere that could be the conversation starters on a first date.  

For a fun first date on Gilligan’s Island:
Bali Island
715 W. Las Tunas Dr.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 282-8785
www.baliislandrestaurant.com 

Be surrounded by thatch walls and dine under a cloud painted ceiling while sipping on a coconut drink in its shell - all in the ubiquitous Socal strip mall.  The food is very tasty and some dishes come wrapped in a banana leaf. The place feels like an escape, especially when the Travel Channel plays in the corner.

This restaurant has been replaced by a dumplihg place.  

 
For a first date that could turn romantic if you wish:
Empanadas Gourmet & Pizza
113 East Lemon Avenue
Old Town-Monrovia, CA 91016
(626) 359-0946

An eclectic combination of empanadas and Italian food are on the menu here and they have outdoor seating. Eat here during the day and it’s casual, eat at night and it’s romantic.  If all’s going well, stroll through Old Town Monrovia after dinner for a cool quaint night out.  For those allergic to the hustle of Old Town Pasadena, this is the place for you.  Plus free, easy parking all around.

 

For a romantically bold first date:
Caravan Serai Restaurant and Bar
39 South El Molino St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 440-0444

Fine Persian, Turkish, and Mediteranian Cuisine, Live Music, Full Bar, Belly Dancing, Hookah, all within a beautiful Middle Eastern-decorated restaurant.  What more can you ask for?  Spacious secluded booths make this a place you could put the moves on someone.  Or not, if you sit on opposite sides of the big tables. 

So there you have it, three of my recent finds.  Enjoy! And let me know how it goes.